PASTOR'S JANUARY MESSAGE

John 3:3-5 (NIV) Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.

 

As we face the opportunities and challenges of another year, I find myself thinking of the unofficial symbol of the New Year. You might chuckle to yourself when you see the “Baby New Year” wearing a diaper and a 2026 sash. However, I think this cartoon character can help Christians see the possibilities in a new year. We have the gift of new life and an opportunity to serve God another year.

 

The new year also reminds me of the new life we have in Christ through our baptism. Unlike the new year, which we celebrate once a year, Christians are continually being made new through our baptism. St. Paul points out in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians (5:17) that we are made into a new creation through Christ. United Methodists believe this process is ongoing. The Spirit allows Christ to work in our lives, cleansing us of our sins and shaping us into who God wants us to be. When we’re baptized or “born again” we enter into a covenantal relationship with God. We’re made new and forgiven of our sins, but there’s more. Those who take this covenant seriously open themselves to be continually renewed thought the lifelong journey of holiness/sanctification. This isn’t just a gift for us to keep to ourselves. Before his ascension, Jesus instructs his disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:19a, NRSV). We who have benefitted from the renewing waters are to invite others into the river as well.

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 Many Blessings,    Pastor Shayne